AGT Going Solar in the Sunshine State Hiring a Trusted Solar Panel
Florida is known for having sunny days, so harnessing the power of solar energy has become an increasingly popular option for environmentally conscious homeowners. However, choosing the right Solar Panel Installation Contractor in Florida will ensure a smooth transition to solar power.
In this article, we will share a guide to help you navigate the process of selecting a reliable Florida Solar Contractor in the Sunshine State.
Benefits of Solar Energy in Florida
Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, provides several advantages to using solar energy. Below, we explore some of the most important ones:
- Abundant Sunlight: Florida has abundant sunlight year-round, averaging more than 230 sunny days yearly, making it the ideal climate for solar energy production. Due to the energy from sunlight, solar panels can generate ample electricity, making them a reliable and efficient source of renewable energy.
- Reduced Energy Bills: With the installation of solar panels, Florida homeowners can significantly reduce their dependence on traditional sources of electricity by generating their own electricity. Therefore, it represents a substantial saving in monthly energy bills because the electricity generated by solar panels offsets or eliminates the need to purchase electricity from the grid.
- Environmental Benefits: Florida homeowners can create a sustainable environment by going solar because solar is a clean, renewable energy source.
- Potential Incentives and Rebates: Florida’s net metering policy allows homeowners to receive credits for excess electricity due to their solar panels generating and returning to the grid. In addition, federal tax credits and local incentive programs are available locally to help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels.
Key Considerations When Hiring a Solar Contractor
- Experience and Expertise: When choosing a Florida Solar Contractor, it is crucial to ensure that the contractor has a proven track record in solar panel installation to verify that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform an efficient installation. In addition, the contractor must be familiar with Florida’s specific solar regulations.
- Credentials and Licenses: Choosing a licensed and insured solar contractor is necessary to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. The contractor complies with the requirements to install solar panels safely by obtaining a license.
- Customer Reviews and References: Reviews from previous customers commenting on their experience can provide insight into the quality of work performed by the contractor and their ability to meet customer expectations. That is why checking online reviews, testimonials, and references is essential to assess reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Quality of Equipment: Inferior solar panels may have lower efficiency and a shorter lifespan, affecting energy production and requiring more maintenance. Therefore, choosing a Florida Solar Contractor that uses high-quality solar panels and equipment is necessary to ensure optimal performance and long life.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Installation Contractor
- Research Multiple Contractors: To correctly choose a Solar Panel Installation Contractor in Florida, it is necessary to conduct thorough research. Therefore, it is advisable to research and compare multiple contractors to make an informed decision.
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: To choose the ideal Solar Panel Installation Contractor in Florida, it is crucial to obtain quotes from several contractors and compare prices, warranties, and equipment options. When obtaining multiple quotes, it is essential to consider the value offered by each contractor rather than focusing solely on the lowest price.
- Interview Potential Contractors: Communicating with potential contractors is crucial to assess their experience, approach, and commitment to customer service. Here are relevant questions homeowners can ask during the interview:
– How long have you been installing solar panels in Florida?
– Are you familiar with local solar regulations and permitting processes?
– Can you provide references of previous solar installations you have completed?
– What kind of warranties do you offer for your solar panels and installation work?
– What certifications or training do your installers have?
– Can you explain the installation process and estimated timeline?
In addition, ask any other questions you feel are relevant to obtain information about the contractor’s experience, knowledge, and commitment to customer service.
Checking for Solar Incentives and Financing Options:
Solar Incentives:
- Net Metering Program: Florida has a net metering policy that allows solar panel owners to earn credits for the solar energy they generate and provide to the electric grid.
- Property tax exemption: homeowners installing solar panels do not have to pay additional value-added taxes on their property, thereby reducing long-term costs.
Tax credits:
- Residential Solar Tax Credit (ITC): represents 26% of the cost of installing residential solar panels that are applied to the amount of taxes owed by the homeowner and can help significantly reduce the total installation cost.
Financing options:
- Solar loans: financing offered by financial institutions allowing homeowners to install solar panels. Such loans often have competitive interest rates and flexible terms to facilitate repayment over time.
- Lease or PPA (Power Purchase Agreement): homeowners can install solar panels on their property without incurring upfront costs by leasing or entering into a power purchase agreement and paying a monthly fee for the solar panels’ electricity.
The Solar Installation Process:
The solar panel installation process can be summarized in three main steps:
Step 1. Assessment and design: A thorough site analysis is conducted to determine its solar viability, and based on that information, a solar system is designed to suit the property’s needs.
Step 2. Installation: the physical placement of the solar panels on the roof is carried out, along with mounting and proper electrical connection to the facility.
Step 3. Grid connection: The solar system is related to the existing electrical grid, thus transmitting the generated energy to the grid and providing access to electricity when needed.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
To correctly choose a Solar Panel Installation Contractor Florida, paying attention to the red flags of unreliable contractors is necessary. Some red flags to watch out for are extremely low estimates, lack of transparency in information provided, aggressive sales tactics, lack of credentials or certifications, poor customer reviews and ratings, lack of proper documentation, and lack of references or project portfolio.
Case Studies: Successful Solar Installations in Florida:
- J.J. Taylor Distributing
Beer distributor JJ. Taylor Distributing faced needing to replace their solar roof after it failed during Hurricane Irma. They chose Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) to handle the reinstallation for this job due to their extensive experience with commercial roofing and solar panels.
AGT was tasked with successfully installing a 1,083.285 kW solar system on the 123,000 square foot roof using a secure mounting system and high-efficiency solar modules. They had to overcome challenges such as meeting high safety standards and working in challenging weather conditions, resulting in a safe workplace with no injuries. The project was completed in six months, and AGT was proud to deliver a solar solution that will benefit the client’s profitability and the environment.
- Beacon Hill Apartments
Florida-based Beacon Hill Apartments partnered with Advanced Roofing and Advanced Green Technologies to install new metal roofs and higher-quality solar panels because their shingle roofs were deteriorating and leaking. AGT handled the solar integration, using secure mounting systems and efficient solar modules. The project was completed on time and budget, providing renewable energy and cost savings for the client while benefiting the environment.
Maintenance and Warranty:
Regular maintenance of solar panels is needed to ensure their performance and durability, and a solid warranty the contractor provides ensures proper operation. For this reason, periodic cleaning and inspections should be performed in addition to monitoring the system’s performance, and the warranty should cover both the equipment and the installation. A reliable and experienced contractor in Florida is necessary for a successful transition to solar energy.
Conclusion
When considering the transition to solar power in Florida, selecting a reputable and experienced Florida Solar Contractor is critical to ensure a smooth installation process and maximize the advantages of solar energy.
We highlight the importance of researching and selecting a reliable contractor, evaluating their expertise in designing a custom system, handling permitting and paperwork, and offering warranty and maintenance services before deciding on solar panel installation.
Disclaimer: the information provided is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or technical advice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no warranty is expressed or implied. The author and publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss from using the data provided.